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SB 105

AN ACT ELIMINATING VARIOUS OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSE, PERMIT, CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION FEES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Berthel and 13 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill eliminates occupational licensing fees statewide, reducing practitioner costs while shifting regulatory funding burdens to general state budget.

PUBLIC HEARING 0223
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Bill Summary · SB 105

Legislative bill overview

SB 105 proposes eliminating fees associated with occupational and professional licenses, permits, certifications, and registrations in Connecticut. The bill would remove or reduce the cost barriers for individuals seeking to practice in licensed professions across various fields. The specific scope of affected professions and fees is not detailed in the bill title, suggesting the legislation would require examination of the full text to identify which licensing categories are impacted.

Why is this important

Eliminating licensing fees could lower entry barriers for workers entering regulated professions, potentially expanding workforce participation and reducing costs for small business owners and sole practitioners. Conversely, these fees typically fund the state agencies responsible for regulating, inspecting, and enforcing professional standards—removing fee revenue creates budgetary pressures that could affect regulatory capacity and public oversight. This represents a substantive policy choice about who bears the cost of professional regulation.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory funding gap: Eliminated fees reduce state revenue for licensing agencies, potentially requiring alternative funding mechanisms or budget cuts that could compromise enforcement and public protection
  • Equity vs. burden shifting: While reducing individual fees benefits practitioners, taxpayers generally would absorb costs previously paid by license holders, raising fairness questions about who ultimately pays
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's title doesn't specify which professions are affected, creating uncertainty about economic impact on different industries and regulatory boards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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